Bass Pushes Post-Palisades Fire Reopening of PCH to Monday; Surprise Irks County, Malibu Officials
Delays Cause Frustration
County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath expressed frustration with the delay on the part of the city in reopening the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) following the recent post-Palisades fire.
The fire, which broke out on January 25, burned over 12,000 acres of land in the Santa Monica Mountains and prompted the closure of PCH for safety reasons.
Initially, it was expected that the highway would reopen by February 1. However, officials announced on January 31 that the reopening would be delayed until Monday, citing ongoing safety concerns and the need for further investigation.
The announcement came as a surprise to many, including Malibu officials and residents who were expecting the highway to reopen earlier.
“We were told that PCH would be reopened by the end of the week, but now we’re being told that it won’t be reopened until Monday,” said Malibu City Councilmember Pamela Conley-Unger. “This is very frustrating for our residents and local businesses who rely on the highway for access to and from Malibu.”
Why the Delay?
According to Los Angeles County officials, the delay is due to the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire and the need to ensure that the highway is safe for travelers.
“We want to make sure that the public is safe before we reopen PCH,” said Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson, Brian Humphrey. “We’re taking a thorough and methodical approach to ensure that the highway is safe for travelers.”
Impact on Local Community
The delay is having a significant impact on local residents and businesses who rely on the highway for access to and from Malibu.
“It’s been a challenge for our business,” said local business owner, Mark Bass. “We’ve had to get creative with how we’re serving our customers, but it’s not the same as having a fully functioning highway.”
Conclusion
The reopening of PCH will be a significant relief for the local community and will help to restore normalcy to the area. However, the delay has caused frustration among residents and officials, and the need for a thorough investigation is understandable.
As the investigation continues, residents and officials alike are hoping for a swift and safe reopening of the highway.
FAQs
Q: Why is PCH still closed?
A: The highway is still closed due to ongoing safety concerns and the need for further investigation into the cause of the post-Palisades fire.
Q: When will PCH reopen?
A: PCH is expected to reopen on Monday, pending the results of the ongoing investigation.
Q: How is the delay impacting the local community?
A: The delay is having a significant impact on local residents and businesses who rely on the highway for access to and from Malibu. It is causing frustration and disrupting normal life in the area.
Q: Will the investigation into the cause of the fire take long?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the cause of the fire as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
